Reactive arthritis
Definition
Reactive arthritis is a group of inflammatory conditions that involves the joints, urethra, and eyes. There may also be lesions on the skin and mucuous membranes.
Alternative Names
Reiter syndromeCauses
The exact cause of reactive arthritis is unknown. It occurs most commonly in men before the age of 40. It may follow an infection with chlamydia, campylobacter, salmonella, or yersinia. Certain genes may make you more prone to the syndrome.
The disorder is rare in younger children, but may occur in adolescents.
References
Kasper DL, ed: Reactive arthritis. In:Harrison's Online. Part 13. Section 2. Chap 305. McGraw Hill; 2004.
A.D.A.M., Inc. is accredited by
URAC, also known as the American
Accreditation HealthCare Commission. URAC's accreditation program is
the first of its kind, requiring compliance with 53 standards of quality and
accountability, verified by independent audit.
The information provided herein should not be used during any medical emergency or for the diagnosis or treatment of any medical condition. A licensed medical professional should be consulted for diagnosis and treatment of any and all medical conditions. Call 911 for all medical emergencies. Links to other sites are provided for information only -- they do not constitute endorsements of those other sites. Copyright 2005 A.D.A.M., Inc. Any duplication or distribution of the information contained herein is strictly prohibited.